In this unparalleled place where diverse cultures have thrived for centuries, where artists have found boundless inspiration, where regional foods are unique in all the world, a summertime getaway will spark your spirit. Visit museums, galleries and sculpture gardens and marvel at stunning art by ancient Indigenous people, contemporary artists from around the world, and by one of the world’s most renowned Native American artists. Feast on Santa Fe flavors and fresh farm stand fare. Get off the beaten path on a thrilling high-desert mountain bike adventure. Summer is such a dazzling season in Santa Fe County, you’ll find it calls you back, again and again.
Day Trippin' in Pojoaque
Discover the deep-rooted traditions and rich cultural heritage of New Mexico’s Pueblos. Your journey begins in Pojoaque at the Poeh Cultural Center and Museum, where a permanent collection of 600 artifacts and contemporary art reveals the legacy and vibrant contemporary life of Tewa-speaking Pueblos. The powerful Di Wae Powa: They Came Back exhibit, organized in partnership with the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), reunites sacred ancestral pottery, kept in private collections and in NMAI, with the descendants of the Pueblo creators.
Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument was home to Ancestral Puebloan people from AD 1100 to 1600. Their ancient culture continues to thrive in surrounding Pueblo communities. Walk the 1.2-mile Main Loop trail to see dwellings carved into rock cliffs, petroglyphs and a ceremonial cave set high in Alcove House, accessed by a series of ladders.
About 12 miles from Bandelier and part of the monument, Tsankawi was settled by Ancestral Puebloan people on a high plateau in the 1400s. The 1.5-mile loop trail follows an ancient pathway through narrow passageways, up and down ladders to cave rooms and unexcavated ruins, and to spectacular views of petroglyphs and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. The hike is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Check the weather forecast before you go because the trail turns slippery in rain.
A World of Art
A wonderful world of art is yours to explore in Santa Fe County. Here are three unique places to get you started. In the historic village of Tesuque, the Glenn Green Galleries & Sculpture Garden showcases painting, photography, sculpture, basketry, prints, and jewelry by 40 local and international acclaimed artists. Highlights include painting, sculpture, and other stunning works by celebrated Navajo/Diné artist Melanie Yazzie; large-scale abstract paintings by Japanese artist Kenji Yoshida and the intricate Rainforest Basketry of the Wounaan.
The historic mining town of Madrid is chock-a-block full of funky, fun galleries housed in rustic buildings. Browse whimsical sculptures and paintings as well as photography, jewelry, wearable art and more. Don’t miss Jezebel Studio and Gallery, which combines an art gallery, gift shop and old-fashioned soda fountain. The gallery is jam-packed with work by more than 30 local artists as well as jewelry from Santo Domingo Pueblo, handmade stained glass and a collection of pendant lights, sconces, lamps and custom chandeliers. When you work up an appetite, which is easy to do in this historic building, grab a burger and a malt at the old-fashioned soda fountain.
The Historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway
More than 70 monumental sculptures seem to dance in the glorious garden setting of the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden and Gallery, located off the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (N.M. Highway 14) World-renowned Chiricahua Apache artist Allan Houser broke new ground with his flowing sculptures, becoming the first Native American to receive the National Medal of Art. The indoor gallery exhibits smaller sculptures, paintings and drawings. Tour reservations are required. Call (505) 982-4705.
Summer Feasts
For a sit-down meal in Madrid, head to Refinery 14, a breakfast and lunch spot serving made-from-scratch soups, salads, tacos, enchiladas, mushroom melt sandwiches and other fare. The rustic patio is perfect for people-watching in this colorful, artsy town. Inside, the space doubles as a gallery, filled with paintings and other work by local artists.
Whatever food you might be craving, the Bourbon Grill at El Gancho will likely have it. Grilled steaks and seafood are the specialty, but the expansive menu includes fish and chips, chicken schnitzel, baby back ribs, enchiladas and a variety of burgers. With a weekend brunch and a daily Happy Hour, this is place is hopping.
The farm stand at Reunity Resources, a two-acre regenerative urban farm, is a great place to pick up fresh tomatoes, peas, Napa cabbages and other goodies plucked right from the field. Grab a burrito and a cup of coffee for an easy picnic to enjoy at a shaded table near the stand.
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through September.
Outdoor Splendor
Walk in beauty at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, amid stunning tent rock formations carved by volcanic eruptions some 7 million years ago. Follow the trail as it winds through dramatic spires. Located on Cochiti Pueblo about 40 miles from Santa Fe, Tent Rocks offers great birdwatching opportunities. Dogs are not allowed. Reservations are required to visit. Make them as early as possible here:
https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10065448
Ready for your ultimate mountain biking ride? Head to RAWORKS Rentals & Bike Repair Shop in the Design Center to rent the mountain bike of your dreams. Get great tips on the RAWORKS website about Santa Fe County’s extensive network of trails for riders of all levels, from the Dale Ball Trails to the Winsor Trail at the Santa Fe Ski Basin and the serene Glorieta Basin Preserve. Gravel bikes and E-bikes are also available to rent.
Stay and Play
Unwind in high mountain-desert luxury at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe in a charming Southwestern-style casita. Pamper your body and soul with regionally-inspired therapies such as a nutrient-rich adobe clay body wrap. Indulge your appetite at the acclaimed Terra restaurant, serving regional flavors with global influences. When adventure calls, head out with an expert guide on a hot air balloon ride or a rafting excursion. Try the EQUUS Experience, which connects guests with horses in powerful self-discovery sessions, or simply relax in bliss by the outdoor pool, surrounded by acres of rolling Santa Fe National Forest.
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Hoop Glory
With dazzling skill and swift steps, Native youth of all ages come together to take part in the 4th Annual Youth Hoop Dance, hosted by the Lightning Boy Foundation Inc. in partnership with, and held at, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Their hoops seem to defy gravity as they share their individual interpretation of the hoop dance with each other, and their rich culture and heritage with the public. Saturday, August 2 and Sunday August 3
Summer in the Park
Wildlife West Nature Park doubles as a summer stage with family-friendly events. The Pirate Viking Summer Festival features the funny, action-packed group Brethren of the Sunken Skull Pirates, as well as Viking storytelling, comedy, music and more, held on five separate stages. Cool off in a water balloon fight and enjoy plenty to eat and drink. Shop merchant tents selling treasures from around the world. Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24
Heart of New Mexico Fiber & Art Festival
The Heart of New Mexico Fiber & Art Festival celebrates the region’s traditions and cultural heritage with fiber artists demonstrating yarn spinning and other techniques, and crocheted, knitted, and wet felted items for sale. Enjoy local food and music and visit with the animals who provide yarn to fiber artists. Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31
(Note that the zoo is closed during these special events.)
Indigenous Art
Presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the Santa Fe Indian Market is the world’s largest Native American art market. More than 1,000 artists bring their traditional jewelry, pottery, basketry, textiles and other art forms to Santa Fe’s biggest event of the year. Held on the historic Santa Plaza, the market includes dances, music, food and much more. Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17
New Mexico Flavors
Come hungry to the annual Santa Fe Beer & Food Festival at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, the acclaimed living history museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Hispano traditions and the land. Sample mouth-watering green chile cheeseburgers, Frito pies, and plenty of other fare along with New Mexico craft beer. Enjoy live music and traditional dance and shop unique arts and crafts. Saturday, August 9 and Sunday August 10.
Remember to drink responsibly and bring a designated driver.
Pueblo Pathways
Find a gorgeous traditional Pueblo pot or a stunning contemporary bracelet during Pathways Indigenous Art Festival at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino on Pojoaque Pueblo. The three-day festival showcases work by more than 400 Indigenous artists. Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17
Songs from the Bridge
Flanked by mountains on one side and the brewery on the other, the Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing Co. is an inspired place to take in live music. The summer schedule is full of great talent. Here are just a few of the highlights. Shows start at 7:30 p.m.
Texas-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Tanner Usrey tells a mean story with each tune, blending country grit and rock 'n' roll. Sunday, July 27
Katie Crutchfield, better known as Waxahatchee, has made a name for herself with her alt-tinged country voice. Nashville’s Brennan Wedl opens. Monday, August 4
Multi-platinum chart-topper American Rapper Yelawolf has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Eminem and a host of other musical greats. Thursday, August 7